Before someone decides on a bag, I'm often asked the same question: “Won't it stretch after a month?” It's quickly followed by a second one: “And how do I clean it?” I understand these concerns. A cord bag looks different from a leather or fabric one, so it's hard to know in advance how it will hold up in everyday use.
I make every cotton cord bag myself, stitch by stitch, so I know exactly what makes it stronger and what can damage it. In this post, I answer the questions I hear most often – including what you'd better not do.
What a cord bag is made of – and why it matters
Cotton cord isn't the same as ordinary yarn. It's thicker, denser and more resilient, which makes it ideal for items that need to keep their shape – and a bag has to, because every day you put things in and take things out.
Dense stitch vs. openwork
How a bag behaves depends largely on the stitch. In the Raspberry bag, the stitch is dense and springy – it holds its shape without being stiff, so the bag sits close to the body instead of sticking out. A dense stitch means less space between the stitches, and so less room for the fabric to “give” under weight.
It's different with the Ecru tote, which has openwork panels along the sides. Openwork is lighter and more decorative, so in this tote I make the base and body to hold their form – the bag stands up on its own when you set it down.
Does a crochet bag stretch?
To be honest: any stitched fabric – crocheted or knitted – will stretch a little over time under heavy, constant weight. That isn't a flaw in a particular bag; it's simply the nature of a material made of stitches. The good news is that a lot depends on how the bag is made and how you use it.
What helps a bag keep its shape
- Stitch density – the tighter the stitches, the less the bag stretches.
- Base and body – these carry the weight, so they get most of my attention.
- The strap – on the Raspberry and Bottle Green bags, it's crocheted from the same cord as the rest of the bag, so it moves together with it.
What to carry in it – and what not to
The Raspberry and Bottle Green bags are day bags: they hold a phone, a wallet and keys. They're not designed for a laptop, a water bottle and your shopping all at once. If you need something that can carry more, a larger tote will serve you better.
Does a light-coloured bag get dirty quickly?
This question mostly concerns the Ecru tote. Ecru goes with everything and – despite what the light shade might suggest – doesn't get dirty as quickly as you might expect. The texture of the stitch means small marks aren't as visible as they would be on smooth fabric.
Of course, a light bag set down on a wet pavement or a bus seat will pick up dirt faster than a dark one. If you want a “no-worries” bag for any weather, consider a darker colour – a deep bottle green looks good in sun and shade alike, and small marks are almost invisible on it.
How to clean a cord bag, step by step
Cord bags aren't washed like jumpers. Instead, you spot-clean them. Here's how I do it myself:
- Shake the bag out and empty it completely – crumbs love to hide between the stitches.
- Dampen a soft cloth in lukewarm water with a little mild soap. The cloth should be damp, not wet.
- Gently wipe the soiled area, dabbing rather than rubbing. Vigorous rubbing can fluff up the fibres of the cord.
- Remove any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
- Stuff the bag with paper and leave it to dry flat, away from radiators and strong sunlight.
Can you machine-wash a crochet bag?
No. I know it's tempting, but after a machine wash the cord loses its springiness and the bag loses its shape. The drum, the spin cycle and all that water are simply too much for it at once. That's why I write the same thing for every bag: spot-clean only, and never dry on a radiator. Cotton cord doesn't cope well with high temperatures.
If you end up with a more serious stain and don't know what to do, write to me before you start experimenting. I'd much rather give advice beforehand than look at a photo of a bag that has lost its shape afterwards.
How to store your bag so it keeps its shape
- Stuff it with soft paper when you're not using it. That way the flap keeps its line and the body won't sag.
- Don't hang it by the strap for long on a hook or door handle. Hanging it up once in a while won't hurt, but weeks of hanging with things inside will stretch the strap and the top of the bag.
- Keep it away from radiators and very warm places.
- For longer storage, put it on a shelf, ideally in a cotton bag or a box.
An unlined bag – what to watch out for
My bags are unlined. There are always some gaps between the stitches – small ones in a dense stitch, larger ones in openwork, as on the Ecru tote. So it's best to carry small items such as hair clips, coins or lipstick in a little pouch – that way nothing slips through the stitches, and it's easier to find everything inside.
Having no lining has its advantages too: the bag is lighter, dries faster and is easier to clean, because there's no need to worry about a lining shrinking or fading.
Is a cord bag suitable for everyday use?
Yes – as long as you choose one that suits your lifestyle. A smaller bag on a long strap works well in town: you wear it over your shoulder or cross-body, your hands are free, and you open the gold clasp with a flick of your thumb. A large tote is for shopping, the beach and a whole day out, and its handles are long enough to sling over your shoulder even when you're wearing a jacket.
Rain won't ruin it, but it's best not to expose it to a downpour. If it gets wet, take everything out, press out the excess water with a towel, stuff it with paper and leave it to dry flat – exactly as after cleaning.
Three things not to do with a cord bag
- Don't put it in the washing machine.
- Don't dry it on a radiator or in the sun.
- Don't overload it, and don't leave it hanging by the strap for long periods.
Everything else is just everyday life. You wear a cord bag like any other – and if you treat it well, it will serve you for years, not just one season.
You'll find all the bags currently available in the Handbags category, and larger designs in Tote Bags. If you like a bag from the shop but are looking for a different colour, write to me before placing your order. I'll check whether the right cord is available and whether it can be made.